I am the Emperor, but, oh God! At what cost have I attained this emperorship? It is at the expense of my people's blood.
—December 14, 1826, Tsar Nicholas I wrote in his diary that night.
When viewed from a human perspective, Tsar Nicholas I, who was despised by the European Liberals, is actually a saint-like figure.
His religious faith is firm; he is a devout Eastern Orthodox believer, strictly adhering to Orthodox rituals, highly self-disciplined, and never misses a religious event.
He never smokes and dislikes those around him who do. He never drinks hard liquor, insists on walking and exercising daily. His routine is regular, and he abhors procrastination; his schedule can even be precise to the minute.
Besides, this Tsar is also a person of extraordinary memory and diligence; even a renowned figure like Sir Arthur Hastings of Scotland Yard wouldn't dare boast of his industriousness before the Tsar.
